DARREN BARKER

GUYHIRN: MAN WHO LED MONTH-LONG HARASSMENT OF WOMAN JAILED

Darren Barker, a resident of Gull Road in Guyhirn, engaged in a harassment campaign against a woman that lasted for a month.

The harassment started on June 9 and persisted until June 23, during which Barker repeatedly threatened to reveal a sexual photograph of her.

He visited her residence multiple times, shouting through her letterbox and even proposing marriage.

On June 28, Barker sent her eight emails, reached out via Facebook, and made two visits to her home, one of which involved damaging her wing mirror while trying to stop her in his van.

He also took her phone after following her into her car and forcing her to halt.

Barker did not comment during police interviews related to criminal damage and contact but acknowledged the offenses separately.

At Cambridge Crown Court on January 31, he was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison for threats to disclose private images, theft, criminal damage, and violating a non-molestation order.

An additional 12 weeks were added to his sentence for breaching a suspended sentence.

A 10-year restraining order was also imposed to prevent him from contacting the victim.

Police officer DC Amanda Pickering highlighted the seriousness of sharing private sexual images and the impact stalking can have, hoping the sentence offers some closure for the victim and encouraging others to seek help if they experience continued stalking or harassment.